FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 23, 2009
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a workshop in January to collect public input on restoration work and trail opportunities in Reiter Foothills Forest. The popular area is located in eastern Snohomish County near Gold Bar and Index.
When: 6 to 8 p.m., January 13
Where: The Commons, Monroe High School, 17001 Tester Rd., Monroe
The public workshop is in conjunction with the overall recreation planning process that DNR has been conducting over the past two years. As DNR prepares to implement the plan, the agency will be collecting information about site-specific restoration and trail projects. Public involvement will be critical to the success of the plan.
For more information about the meeting, contact Candace Johnson, 360-854-2803 or candace.johnson@dnr.wa.gov .
Planning In Reiter Foothills Forest
In 2007, the Washington State Legislature recognized the challenges of managing recreational use at Reiter Foothills Forest and funded DNR’s development of a sustainable recreation plan. For the past two years, DNR has worked with a diverse group of stakeholders – including citizens, user groups, representatives from conservation groups, and local officials – to create a recreation plan that identifies long-term recreation uses and addresses environmental and safety problems in the area. A draft of the plan was completed in November, followed by a public review process. The final plan will be released in early 2010.
Recreation On DNR-Managed Lands
DNR manages more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, aquatic, agricultural, conservation and urban lands. Most recreation on these lands takes place in the 2.2 million acres of forests that DNR manages as state trust lands. By law, state trust lands are managed to produce income for schools, universities, prisons, state mental hospitals, community colleges, local services in many counties, and the state’s general fund. State trust lands are also managed to provide fish and wildlife habitat and educational and recreational opportunities.
DNR-managed lands provide 1,100 miles of trails, 143 recreation sites, and a variety of landscapes throughout Washington State. Recreational opportunities include hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping, motorized vehicle riding, mountain biking, and boating.
DNR’s main recreation focus is to provide trails, trailhead facilities, and a primitive experience in a natural setting.
Media Contact: Toni Droscher, Recreation Program Communications Manager, 360-902-1523 or toni.droscher@dnr.wa.gov .
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/News/Pages/nr09_192.aspx
